The continued successes of Anguilla’s world championship athletes, Shara Proctor (Long Jumper), and Zharnel Hughes (Sprinter), were celebrated at a special welcome home reception held in their honour at Government House on Monday evening, October 5.
The event was hosted by His Excellency the Acting Governor, Mr. Stanley Reid, and Mrs. Reid, in the absence of Her Excellency, Ms. Christina Scott. Well-known sports enthusiast and coach, Mr. Colin Johnson, chaired the proceedings.
The athletes, who both have amassed a number of record achievements to their credit, recently competed for Great Britain in the 2015 IAAF World Champions in Beijing, with Shara winning a Silver Medal and Zharnel placing 5th in the 200 metres.
The Acting Governor particularly welcomed Shara and Zharnel to the reception, and spoke about the pride of the island and its people over their successes in the international sporting arena.
Similar statements were expressed by Chief Minister Victor Banks, Minister of Social Development and Sports, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Sports, Mr. Cardigan Connor; and President of the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association, Mrs. Lorna Rogers.
Shara and Zharnel, who are on a brief visit home, also delivered short addresses during which they thanked the Government and people of Anguilla for their continued support as they represent Great Britain in international sports, but with Anguilla gaining much praise and recognition as well. They were each presented with plaques by Mr. Banks, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Connor, assisted by Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, Permanent Secretary with responsibility for Sports. Mr. Banks promised that the two athletes would be presented with more tangible awards later on.
Meanwhile, Shara and Zharnel were also congratulated, for “their amazing performance in putting Anguilla on the map”, by members of the Rainbow Rockets, one of the leading track and field clubs in Anguilla.
The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Rollins Richardson, Acting Director of Sports.
